Various discussions, apprehensions, and worries all around about October 28. The announcement of BNP's program from the general meeting in Dhaka, the Awami League's counter-blockade is being analyzed in several government agencies.
Meantime several organizations have informed the higher level by preparing reports with advance warnings and recommendations.
Those concerned said that the law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take action according to the situation. They have been asked to make all necessary preparations to ensure the safety of the citizens of the capital. The top echelons of the government are also thinking of showing zero tolerance if they try to sit down after the mass meeting.
On the other hand, sources confirmed that a letter has been sent to 78 organizational teams from the BNP central office for their cooperation in making the October 28 general meeting a success.
Around October 28, verbal instructions have already been given to all unit heads from the police headquarters. All the forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs have been asked to be prepared.
Although a BNP source claims, they will not go hard so far before the elections. But whenever the movement starts, it will be continuous. It will be a movement to overthrow the government. Government will be forced.
A source of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said that if BNP wants to stay, the police will not agree to it in any way. They will not hesitate to use maximum force. They will take this initiative to keep the capital's life and property safe and the country's economy moving.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner (Operations) Biplab Kumar Sarkar said, “We are monitoring where the situation goes. Because October 28 is still far away. Let BNP apply. It is also a matter whether the commissioner sir approves it or not. If conditional permission is granted we will monitor the conditions. Everything necessary will be done to keep the life of the citizens of the capital normal.”
Intelligence sources said that internally, BNP is preparing to take a stand. They are preparing to sit down as soon as they receive a high-level signal. Along with the capital, their plans include Gazipur and Narayanganj, neighboring Dhaka. Necessary support will be given to them from Munshiganj, Manikganj. Their preparations have already been completed.
There is a thought among the policy makers of BNP and their like-minded parties that the programs that will be held from November will be dominated by Dhaka siege, Secretariat siege, Prime Minister's office siege. If the government obstructs these programs, at one stage the party may be forced to move towards non-cooperation or blockade.
On the other hand, Awami League will give a counter program to prevent the general meeting of BNP on October 28. General Secretary of the party Obaidul Quader has already announced that BNP will not be allowed to stand at any cost.
Additional IGP Mahbubur Rahman, chief of Industrial Police told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Every member of Industrial Police is alert to continue the development and economic progress of the country. We have regular monitoring in the cyber world as well. We have all kinds of preparations so that the evil forces cannot do anything destructive to the industry.”
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of the Legal and Media Wing of the RAB said, “Our job is to keep people safe. RAB will do everything necessary to maintain law and order situation. As part of this, 24/7 monitoring of the cyber world is being done. RAB is keeping a watchful eye so that no one can create instability by spreading propaganda and rumours.”
According to the policy makers of BNP, instead of going on the aggressive path, they will create the situation for the realization of demands through one program after another.
However, there is also discussion among them, Awami League will try its best to hold the next election under the current government according to the country's constitution. In order not to do that, BNP will try to bring as many political parties to its side as possible. In addition, the international community, especially the influential countries, continue to exert pressure on the government and keep the overall political situation in their favor with anti-government programs.
BNP Joint Secretary General Moazzem Hossain Alal told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Obaidul Quader has already threatened the tragic fate of Motijheel. So that it is convenient to be beaten by the police. We still restrain ourselves. We have always said that we will force the government to leave the mattress by carrying out a peaceful movement.”
“Meanwhile, 22 of our people have been killed by the government forces and their cadres. They did not even take our case. But our Secretary General has already given a clear message to the government. Now it's the government's decision,” he added.
Highway Police Chief Additional IGP Shahabuddin Khan told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Intelligence operations are continuing to ensure the safety of the highways. Dhaka-Chittagong highway has already been brought under CCTV cameras.”
Multiple sources said that there are instructions from the higher level to check whether the CCTV cameras in the security of important installations in Dhaka and surrounding districts are operational or not. It has been asked to take initiative to install more cameras if necessary. The top officials of the police are thinking of sending additional forces to the surrounding districts of Dhaka to test the necessary equipment including weapons-ammunition, water cannons, sound grenades, rubber bullets and to deal with the situation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and Village Defense Forces, Fire Service and Civil Defense, Prisons Department to be ready at all times to deal with the situation arising out of this.
@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on October 21, 2023 and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.
